Father Joe of Saint Joseph Mission - Progressive Catholic Church is an Ordained, Old Catholic Franciscan Priest and wedding officiant in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Father Joe is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York with a Master of Divinity Degree in Ministry and Pastoral Care. He is assigned to Saint Joseph Mission Church, bringing the Gospel to those in the margins and to people in need wherever they may be. The mission and Fr Joe work for social justice and help to spread God's message of love and hope to all along with the sacraments of the Church. Father Joe assists with planning your special day with openness and authenticity. We recognize that God does not live in the "church" but is always present where there is love.

Fr. Rix is our Priest in Chicago and is also a graduate of Union Theological Seminary and has been with the mission for the past 5 years. Fr Rix is an amazing part of the ministry team and co-author of our Marriage Guide, Happily Ever After.

Fr Joe is available in Longboat Key and the Sarasota/Tampa Bay area for Christmas, January, and February weddings in 2024 and 2025.

We are a Progressive Catholic Church and Franciscan Community with a validity of Holy Orders and Sacraments. Here is our Mission Statement to help clarify who we are. And we are here to help bring God to places that Rome cannot. The PCC is a member of the International Council of Community Church.

We are excited to announce a new resource for planning a wedding day, as well as what comes before and after! Father Joe and Father Rix offer insights and testimonies from their experience of a combined 800+ weddings in the new book from SJM Publishing, Happily Ever After!: A Guide to a Holy Marriage. Whether you are getting married soon or have been with your partner for years, this book offers a guide to LOVE, wedding planning, as well as making and keeping a marriage whole... and Holy!

Our New Pre-Cana and Wedding Planning Guide Book: Happily Ever After. The journey for "Having a Happy Marriage" is now ready! Please read it and share it with family and friends. It is an amazing resource not only for the wedding but for having a wonderful life!

STATEMENT ON INNER-COMMUNIONS: OPEN TABLE, OPEN HEARTS ~ "The Progressive Catholic Church, existing as a Member of the Jesus Movement, in Apostolic Succession, recognizes all Christian Churches who profess the Ancient Creedal Faith of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and acknowledge the True Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist as being in full Communion with us. You are welcome at our table, which is the Table of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Services Offered

Whether you are looking for an officiant to help with your civil union, Interfaith, Catholic, rehearsal, or vow renewal ceremony, Father Joe and the Saint Joseph Mission Church team have experienced it all, and we are licensed in Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Not only do we work with you on customizing your vows and planning your special ceremony, but we also provide Pre-Cana counseling and can assist with Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation needs. Some of the traditions and sacraments he has worked with previously include:

Seven Jewish Wedding Blessings

• Hands Ceremony
• Blending of sands
• Honoring of children
• Unity candle
• Wine sharing & Communion
• Breaking of the glass

What You'll Love About Saint Joseph Mission - Progressive Catholic Church

Father Joe and Father Rix have a gift for crafting ceremonies that perfectly balance emotion, humor, and sincerity. They will talk you through every step, guiding you throughout the experience. Read through the reviews to see how they have made their services memorable for couples.